A joint team of NSG and NIA searches for clues at Gandhi Maidan on Monday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

The sprawling Gandhi Maidan on Monday bore marks of the explosions that hit the green patch the day before.

Usually a popular hangout for the residents of the city, it was empty of its regular visitors. All the gates were locked and policemen posted to guard them. Only a group of workers were dismantling the bamboo-and-wood stage that had been erected for the Hunkar Rally of the BJP.

They were also burning garbage in different corners.

In the morning, teams of policemen, National Security Guard (NSG) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) scanned the 62-acre maidan with sophisticated equipment to find clues or any explosive that may have not been found on Sunday.

Another rally — CPI(ML)’s Khabardar Rally — is slated to be held at the same venue on Wednesday (October 30).

Asked about it, director-general of police Abhayanand said: “I will not advice that the rally not be held.”

Officials of the district administration also said there would be no direction to cancel the rally.

Neel Kamal, an additional collector-rank official in charge of Gandhi Maidan, said: “Till now, no direction been given regarding this. If we don’t get any direction to the contrary, the rally will be held at Gandhi Maidan on October 30.”

He added: “At present, the ground is closed and is being cleaned. Also, the police and the other security agencies have thoroughly checked the ground for explosives. They are also searching for clues.”

Sources said a meeting was held between CPI(ML) and the police on Monday about the rally.

“If the rally is held, the police will ensure proper security measures. There will be metal detectors at the gates and adequate forces will be deployed. The police will also ensure adequate security. Things will be finalised on Tuesday,” a police officer told The Telegraph.

Sources pointed out that the men-in-uniform were now putting in an extra bit of effort towards the security preparations for the rally.

Patna district magistrate N. Saravana Kumar said: “The Gandhi Maidan will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday). It might be opened on Tuesday evening.”

He added: “Members of CPI(ML) met with the administration today (Monday) and we told them to take precautions. Metal detectors will be put at all the gates. The party would also have volunteers at all gates to identify the people attending the rally. They have agreed to it. All suspected persons will be rounded up.”